Scientists assure that we are already experiencing the sixth great extinction and that humans are responsible for it.
According to history, the earth has suffered five mass extinctions caused by external natural phenomena. However, it is assured that we are already living the sixth extinction; and this time, the human being has a leading role. Because human activities are responsible for this mass extinction crisis.
Several studies claim that humans and their lifestyles are pushing a million different species to the brink of extinction. Because the impact of modern human activities has generated a massive loss of biodiversity around the world.
According to the CBD Secretariat, the five key drivers of biodiversity loss are: habitat transformation, overexploitation, pollution, invasion of exotic species, and climate change.
Every day, species of microorganisms, fungi, plants, insects, and vertebrates become irretrievably extinct. All species have an elemental role in biodiversity; therefore, if they disappear, they put the rest of the ecosystem at risk.
How to stop extinction?
To stop the sixth species extinction, concrete measures are needed to make real changes. It is important to improve the defense of the protected areas already declared and the new ones to be created. Local and national authorities must allocate sufficient resources and means for the protection of land and sea.
It is also necessary to reduce the rate of consumption per person, mainly in industrialized countries. The current model of consumer society is destroying the planet and its resources. Governments must make real decisions that help protect the planet’s nature and biodiversity. Therefore, it is important to make changes if the planet is to be preserved for future generations.
Finally, the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (International Iberoamerican University) (UNIB) offers the Master in Environmental Management and Audits.
